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I bought my first Argo a few weeks ago. It is a 2001 Conquest 8x8 with equipped with 13" standard Argo tracks. I intend to use it for utility mostly. Iwas initially disappointed with the pulling ability of the tracks. Here in northern Wisconsin we currently have about 18" of snow without much ice. Temps have been low. I could only go up a modest incline without slipping. Anything over about 20 degrees required a running start.
I removed the tracks and installed 4 bolts in each section. That required 280 3/8" x 1-1/4" grade 5 bolts, 280 hex locknuts, 280 standard grade flatwashers, and 280 hardened flatwashers (grade 5 or 8). I used 2 hole spacings in the center of the track sections, alternating the pattern with each section. The standard washer went on the inside and the hardened washer on the outside of the track. That way the hex bolt head would pull down the softer washer into the groove on the inside of the track and not rub on the tire. They stick out about 1/2" to 3/4" when installed. On my machine there is a good 3/4" clearance at the closest point with the tub. It took about 8 hours of work to get it done.
I took it for a long test drive, and what a difference! I climbed a long hill that was over 30 degrees in low gear. That same hill required the winch before the bolts were added. On an incline the tracks dig down until they get to frozen ground and then bite and pull. It does make it slightly harder to steer on hard ground and a little rough running on a plowed frozen gravel road. But in the snow the ride is fine and a lot more sure footed. I am concerned the bolts may loosen in the high density polyethylene molded track. So far so good.
I would load a pic but I havent yet figured out how on this site. I have seen this idea discussed and thought I should share my experience.
I removed the tracks and installed 4 bolts in each section. That required 280 3/8" x 1-1/4" grade 5 bolts, 280 hex locknuts, 280 standard grade flatwashers, and 280 hardened flatwashers (grade 5 or 8). I used 2 hole spacings in the center of the track sections, alternating the pattern with each section. The standard washer went on the inside and the hardened washer on the outside of the track. That way the hex bolt head would pull down the softer washer into the groove on the inside of the track and not rub on the tire. They stick out about 1/2" to 3/4" when installed. On my machine there is a good 3/4" clearance at the closest point with the tub. It took about 8 hours of work to get it done.
I took it for a long test drive, and what a difference! I climbed a long hill that was over 30 degrees in low gear. That same hill required the winch before the bolts were added. On an incline the tracks dig down until they get to frozen ground and then bite and pull. It does make it slightly harder to steer on hard ground and a little rough running on a plowed frozen gravel road. But in the snow the ride is fine and a lot more sure footed. I am concerned the bolts may loosen in the high density polyethylene molded track. So far so good.
I would load a pic but I havent yet figured out how on this site. I have seen this idea discussed and thought I should share my experience.
Check out this thread for instructions on how to post pictures: 
. I only put 2 bolts through the factory holes on every second pad though. I also added a "wear bar" up under the tub to prevent the bolts from wearing through. The track does have a tendency to bounce and rattle up against the lower tub at times. I used a strip of 3/8" UHMW for the wear bar.
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